Integrated fish farming for sustainable livelihood of farmers of Tripura

Abstract

The demand for food and better livelihood security is fast mounting with corresponding increase in population in Tripura. With available agriculture and animal resources and with almost 95% being fish eaters in Tripura there is scope for substantial increase in yield and production from integrated fish farming. The integrated faming system has the capacity to spread the financial risk of resources of poor farmers due to its varied and diversified nature in rearing of fish, animals and crops. The farmers are engaged in one farming activity or the other throughout the year thus, making them self-reliant and productive all year round. It also creates jobs for the teeming unemployed rural masses. The system has already proven profitable as compared to unitary system of farming in Tripura. Before this potential can be fully realized, its ecological importance must be taken into consideration, as this will dictate the pace for effective management that will lead to its maximum yield. Clear and explicit linkages between aquaculture and the environment must be defined and the complementary role of aquaculture in contributing to environmental suitability must be developed and made known to all stakeholders for effective and efficient ecological management which will in no time facilitate optimum yield.